Western Diocese

The first planning meeting of the APN 2009 Tribute to Veterans Committee was held on Saturday, May 9, from 10am to noon, at St. Peter's Armenian Apostolic Church in Van Nuys. This annual event, organized in recognition of the selfless heroism of Armenian men and women who have served with distinction in the United States Armed Forces, is scheduled to be held on Sunday, November 8, beginning at 12:30pm, in St. Peter's Church, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese.

Participating in the meeting were APN Executive Board and Committee members:  Vahe Ashjian, who chaired the meeting; James Zabounian; Khachig Evan Manoogian;  Sylva Natalie Manoogian; Leo Keligian; Misak M. Nalbandian, Jack Nalbandian; Maggie Mangassarian-Goschin; Herair Rostamian; Lena Ashjian; Aida Tatiossian; John Missakian and Ban Julius, St. Peters Parish Council representatives.

The Tribute to Veterans will begin with a requiem service in memory of those veterans who are deceased and the dedication of a memorial plaque, to be subsequently placed in an appropriate setting at the Diocesan Complex in Burbank. Following church services, a luncheon and program will be held in the St. Peter's reception hall, with Captain Leo Keligian serving as master of ceremonies.

An 800 number is being established to provide further information about the event.